September 2, 2013 (Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!” Ezekiel 18:32 NLT
Observation: God’s chosen people had rejected Him and rebelled against His holy standards. They took part in feast held in the mountains before idols and joined in on the worship, they committed adultery and many other sexual sins, they were unmerciful creditors and would charge excessive interest rates on loans, they oppressed the poor and would steal and rob every chance they got. God warned them that they would die for their sins if they continued in them. He also gave them hope for life if they would repent of their sins and turn to Him. God did not like to see the wicked die, He wanted them to repent and turn from their sins. Yet because God is a just God He will punish everyone that willfully continues in sin. Failing to repent is a self imposed death sentence that must be carried out.
Application: From the original fall in the Garden of Eden repentance from sin has been a major standard of God that He commands. Repentance is not an option, or a suggestion, it is a requirement. When we repent of sin that is displeasing to God we gain an opportunity to avoid death and receive life through His Son. Jesus Christ suffered on the Cross of Calvary to pay the price for all sins, yet this precious gift of atonement cannot be applied to our lives unless we first repent. Only through godly sorrow that has produced true repentance can the atonement of Christ be applied to our lives. “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have come to the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” (Hebrews 10:26) It’s not God’s desire that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night and we must be ready when He comes. Walk daily in the benefits of repentance and choose to live rather than die!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday! Thank You for the opportunity to repent and turn to Your righteous ways. Help me walk daily in ways that please You. Cleanse me from anything sinful in Your sight and make me whole. May the atonement of Jesus Christ be applied to my soul and grant me life, in Jesus name, Amen!